WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a salpingectomy? A salpingectomy is surgery to remove one or both of your fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. They are part of a woman's reproductive system. A salpingectomy may be done to treat an ectopic pregnancy, cancer, endometriosis, or an infection. It may also be done to prevent pregnancy or some types of cancer. How do I prepare for a salpingectomy? - Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, and NSAIDs several days before surgery. This may prevent bleeding before and after surgery.
- You may need blood or urine tests before surgery. You may also need an x-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound before surgery. This will help your healthcare provider plan your surgery. You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent a bacterial infection. You may need to empty your bladder before surgery. This may help your healthcare provider see your reproductive organs more clearly, and prevent your bladder from being injured.
What will happen during a salpingectomy? - You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your healthcare provider may remove your fallopian tubes laparoscopically or through an open approach with one larger incision. If done laparoscopically, your healthcare provider will make one or more small incisions in your abdomen. Your healthcare provider will put a laparoscope and other tools into your abdomen through the incisions. A laparoscope is a long metal tube with a light and camera on the end. The abdomen will then be inflated with a gas (carbon dioxide). This lifts your abdomen away from your organs and gives your healthcare provider more space to work.
- In both types of procedures, tools will be used to cut and remove one or both of your fallopian tubes. Your healthcare provider will close the incisions with medical glue, tape, or stitches, and cover them with a bandage. A vaginal pack or sanitary pad may be used to absorb the bleeding. A vaginal pack is a special gauze that is inserted into the vagina and removed before you go home or to a hospital room.
What will happen after a salpingectomy? Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are awake. You may have bleeding and discharge from your vagina for several days. If your surgery was done laparoscopically, you may also feel pain in your shoulder or back. This is caused by the air that is put into your abdomen during laparoscopic surgery. You may be able to go home or you may need to spend the night in the hospital. Walk around as soon as possible after surgery to prevent blood clots. What are the risks of a salpingectomy? You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, intestines, or bladder may be damaged during surgery. You may get a blood clot in your arm or leg. This may become life-threatening. You may have a hard time getting pregnant if your remaining fallopian tube does not work correctly. If both tubes are removed, you may still be at risk for an ectopic pregnancy. |